I just wanted to let anyone interested in a new custom rifle know about the gunsmith I used. His name is Norm Myers and he runs a place called Heritage Custom Arms in Georgia. His web site, http://www.heritagecustomarms.com ,is pretty basic but has some pics linked at the bottom of the page with his contact info.

I had never commissioned a custom as they always seemed out of my price range. I contacted Norm and he spent several weeks emailing and talking on the phone to come up with exactly what I wanted. It's based on a VZ24 Mauser with the face trued, lugs lapped, bridge contoured, tang surface lowered, trigger guard recountered, d&t'd with Leupold mounts. In addition the bolt body was jewelled and a new handle with the bottom checkered was welded on. The safety shroud was replaced with a commercial unit and a Timney trigger with side safety installed. I used a Douglas XX premium barrel, 24" chambered in 275 Rigby (same as a 7x57 but it's my gun so I can do what I want)with a recessed 11 degree crown. All metal finished with black gunkote and put in a Bell & Carlson carbolite stock , tan with black spiderweb finish.

I really have to compliment him, the fit and finish is really good, glass bedded and free floated barrel included. You'd never be able to tell it was a military action except for the thumb cut-out. I ordered in late August or early Spetember and he promised to ship by 15 December, he actually shipped on 6 December.

All for under $1000 USD. Now I know I could have bought a Ruger, or a Winchester, or a Remington et al for less but it wouldn't have been built just the way I want it. I think he's quite a bargain for a custom, and who ever heard of a gunsmith actually being on time?
Happy hunting,

Sounds like you've got a nice rifle there! Always nice to hear about another rifle builder. Guy